Boarding
Boarding at the Royal Grammar School
Boys have been boarding at the Royal Grammar School for over 150 years. Records of the early 1800s speak of there being up to 30 boarders which, at that time, was equivalent to the number of day boys. The tradition of boarding has firmly remained with the school although, with the decline in boarding nationally the R.G.S. finds itself one of only forty maintained boarding schools in the country and the only one left in Buckinghamshire.
Since April 1990 the boarding element at the R.G.S. has had to be financially self-supporting, with no subsidy from the school or the Local Education Authority. With careful restructuring of staff and use of resources, the boarding facility adapted successfully and, contrary to expectations, provided a better and more efficient service. In fact, the boarding element of the R.G.S. has expanded rapidly and competition for places is very intense. Many parents recognise the numerous advantages of boarding for their sons in one of the finest state grammar schools in the country.
With this in mind in September 1999 a modern purpose-built boarding house was opened, catering for 70 boarders. This new facility incorporates all the best aspects of contemporary boarding establishments, plus a number of innovative features.
The boarding house has been named after Second Lieutenant Frederick Youens VC and Lieutenant Ian Fraser VC DSC RNVR, who were both Pupils at the Royal Grammar School.
The accomodation is designed around a central courtyard and comprises of single study bedrooms for the senior boys with an integration of twin and open-plan rooms for the junior boys. All rooms have fitted furniture and all single and twin rooms have on-suite facilities. There are also communal areas including common rooms, television lounges and kitchenettes, together with many modern features appropriate to a busy, purposeful and stimulating environment.
The majority of the boarders are "weekly" and go home every weekend. There is an increasing number of "full" boarders, who only go home for the school holidays. These are generally more senior boys whose parents reside permanently overseas.
Details of the fees and all other information can be obtained from the Admissions Office telephone 01494 524955 or email admin@rgshw.com.
Fraser Youens Boarding House
